OMUGWO: Why Do Igbo Mother-In-Laws Relocate To Take Care Of New Mothers And Babies After Birth?

The practice of omugwo is extremely significant among the Igbos, but also widely practised across other Nigerian tribes. The Yorubas call it “Itoju omo”, Igalas call it “Iwagwala-oma”, and the Annangs, “Umaan”.

After a mother gives birth to her baby, her mother-in-law comes to the home to take care of the new mother and her.

The nursing mother is not required to lift a finger as everything is done for her—including bathing the baby, massaging the new mother’s tummy, performing household chores, cooking special meals such as pepper soup, and so on.

If a mother-in-law is unavailable for an omugwo, the woman’s own mother or a close relative can take up the mantle.

Omugwos are a thing of pride and so symbolic that they have been known to cause quarrels among family members over who is most capable of caring for the nursing mother and her new baby. Omugwos last for at least three months.

During omugwo, it’s the responsibility of the mother (of the husband or wife) to put her through what she needs to eat to help with milk production for the baby’s consumption, Swedish massage techniques and hot water therapy.

After childbirth, the grandmother helps the new mother with hot water therapy and sitz bath. Hot water therapy involves soaking a cloth in hot water and using it to massage the new mother’s belly.

Sitz bath is a necessary practice if the new mother gave birth vaginally so that blood clots in her womb can come out so she can heal properly internally.

The new mother will be given spicy foods such as pepper soup to help to flush out unwanted blood clots in her body and help to boost breast milk production. Pap is also another food option given to the new mother as it helps to boost her breast milk supply.

Traditionally, at the end of Omugwo, the mother and mother-in-law of the new parents are usually sent home with gifts as an expression of gratitude by the new parents. Common thank you gifts may include things like wrapper/s (cloth), soap, food items, money, etc.